The family of a woman who suffered a heart attack following the discovery of her missing son's body hope she will be able to leave hospital shortly.

Shirley Dunn, 52, collapsed last Thursday after police told her a decomposed body found in allotments in Blyth was almost certainly that of her son Michael Cardill, 18, who had disappeared a month earlier.

She was taken from her home in Matfen Close, Blyth, to Ashington's Wansbeck General Hospital, after the shock triggered a suspected heart attack.

Northumbria Police later confirmed the body was that of trainee joiner Michael, who went missing on July 13, after leaving the family home and failing to turn up for work at the Northumberland Training Agency, in Ashington.

Neighbour Vicky Sharpe said: "She was supposed to come home on Monday but she took bad again. Everyone is hoping she will get home soon."

Northumbria Police said Michael's death is unexplained but there are no suspicious circumstances. His body was found in allotments behind Bolam Avenue, Blyth, half a mile from his home.

Michael's brother, Christopher Palmer, 35, said he was hoping to have his mother back home soon.

He said she was making a slow recovery and trying to come to terms with her son's death.

The family also hope to soon be able to make arrangements for Michael's funeral. His body is expected to be released by police after an inquest has been opened.